Maryam Nawaz Sharif has given in-principle approval for the establishment of Punjab’s first skill city, a flagship initiative aimed at strengthening technical education and preparing young people for employment in high-demand sectors.
Officials briefed the chief minister on a broader plan to overhaul skill development across Punjab, including closer alignment of training programmes with labour market needs and the upgradation of existing vocational institutes into centres of excellence.
The proposal also calls for international collaboration, with plans to affiliate the Punjab Technical and Vocational Education Board with institutions in Scotland and the United Kingdom, aiming to raise academic standards and enhance global recognition of local certifications.
Technical Education at School Level
Separately, authorities presented a framework to introduce technical education at the matriculation level, allowing students to acquire practical skills alongside formal schooling.
The proposed curriculum would cover a wide range of disciplines, including digital technologies, industrial trades, tourism, energy systems, hospitality and healthcare-related fields.
The chief minister directed that instructors be recruited strictly on merit and that course content be developed in consultation with industry to ensure relevance and employability.
She said the initiative is intended to equip young people with job-ready skills, reduce the gap between education and employment, and build a more competitive and productive workforce across the province.
